Tuohy Signs New Ulster Contract

Ulster have received a boost ahead of their crucial Heineken Cup match against Biarritz Olympique. with the news that lock Dan Tuohy, prop Paddy McAllister and centre Nevin Spence have all agreed new contracts with the province.

Lock Dan Tuohy, who earned his first Ireland cap against New Zealand last June, has signed a new two-year deal with Ulster, while prop Paddy McAllister and centre Nevin Spence have been upgraded to full contracts from development deals.

Tuohy moved to Ulster from English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, penning a two-year contract ahead of the 2009/10 season.

Having come through a strong Academy system in the Premiership with Gloucester, the 25-year-old had Ireland Under-21 honours to his name before his arrival in Belfast and with his excellent lineout abilities and good turn of pace, he has become a regular in the Ulster team over the past season-and-a-half.

Youngsters Paddy McAllister and Nevin Spence are both products of the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy.

Prop McAllister ,who was awarded a development contract ahead of the start of the current season, made his Ulster senior debut when coming on as a replacement against the Ospreys in September.

The Ballynahinch player, who has has represented Ireland at Schools, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, has featured regularly in the Ulster matchday squad this season.

Centre Spence also joined the Ulster squad on a development contract last summer after featuring for the Ireland Under-20s in their RBS U-20 6 Nations title-winning campaign.

The former Northern Ireland Under-16 football international made his first Ulster start against Glasgow last April and has started six matches for Ulster so far this season, scoring a memorable try in Ulster's away win over Bath last month, and another against Benetton Treviso last Friday.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.